Sound Gallery

This is the sound gallery page which consists of short audio files of sounds from around the village at various times of the year. if you have any suggestions, or would like to contribute yourself, please let us know.

Derek Clifton Remembers

This recording was made by John Jenkin back in March 2010 originally for an article in the Hemingford Grey Parish Plan. Now, we are able to share this recording on our website for all to enjoy.

Derek Clifton was born and grew up in the village of Hemingford Grey. He went to school in Hemingford and St Ives and has lived and worked here all his life. Derek has also served on the Parish Council for more than 50 years (including 12 years as Chairman) and has worked tirelessly in helping to support all sorts of activities and events that are now common place in the village today, particularly the annual Regatta where he was instrumental in helping to revive the event after a break during the war years (1939-1945). This is a fascinating first-hand account of life in a bygone age from someone who holds dear those values that make for a strong and happy community.

John Jenkin, originally born in Manchester, has lived in Hemingford Grey for twenty four years. He served on the Parish Council with Derek during which time he Convened the Hemingford Grey Parish Plan Steering Committee. He has also served as a Trustee of the Hemingford Peace Memorial for a number of years and is actively involved in many village activities

14.10.2018

Derek Clifton Remembers Part 1: Derek Clifton (left) in conversation with John Jenkin.

Derek Clifton Remembers Part 2: Derek and John conclude their reminiscing.

Remembering Don Beadle

Don Beadle will be remembered with great affection by the many villagers who attended Hemingford Grey Primary School whilst he was headmaster there for sixteen years, from 1974 to 1990. He also served on the Parish Council, including three years as Chairman, during which time Hemingford Grey won the County 'Best Kept Village' competition (the seat outside the Reading Room celebrates this achievement and has Don's name recorded there as the Chairman at the time). Don continued to live in the village with his wife after he retired and maintained a keen interest in the local football teams and the Bowls Club, playing in the local leagues for the latter. He was also a patron of the Regatta and served as President and a race judge for many years.

This recording was made by John Jenkin some years ago after Don retired and is an informal interview in which Don recalls his personal experience (prompted occasionally by his wife, Diana) of taking up his post at the village school and what being part of this community meant to him.

Don passed away at home in Hemingford Grey on the 6th November 2017 aged 90 years.

Don at home with his dog.

100th Remembrance Sunday Service 1918-2018

100th Remembrance Sunday - 11th November 2018

This recording marks the 100th Remembrance Sunday Service held at St James's Parish Church on the 11th of November 2018. This is a complete recording in two parts, although two of the hymns have been foreshortened for reasons of space. Part 1 consists of the service in St James itself and Part 2 ends with the Act of Remembrance at Pound Road Cemetery. Recording conditions were not ideal at the time, so apologies in advance for the poor sound quality in places, but hopefully there is enough here to give a sense of the occasion.

The service was conducted by the Reverend Peter Cunliffe with an address by Allen Foster and other members of the Parish contributing to the readings and prayers. A copy of the full service can be found in the PDF document that accompanies this recording which also contains the names of the Fallen and a list of Commonwealth War Graves.

St James: The interior West Wall showing the Remembrance Plaques.

Lychgate at Pound Road Cemetery

Rolls Royce Merlin Engine Demonstration Run 2018

A demonstration run of a Rolls Royce Merlin Engine mounted on a trailer which was part of this years (2018) Quest Brothers Classic Cars display at The Pavilion.